Appointment FAQ

• Do I need a referral?

  Find out more about our Referral Process
  

• How much will my appointment cost?

  Costs for clinical procedures vary widely therefore you are advised to call the clinic to discuss this aspect directly.
  

• I have medical insurance.  Will I be covered?

  Insurance Companies offer different options that vary in terms of cover for private health care services. i.e. 80% or 100%.   It is up to the policy holder to check with their Insurance Company that their policy will cover fees when they attend for consultation and/or further treatment.If, for example, your policy covers hospital admission then surgery should be covered by your Insurance Company, however, it is always advisable to get prior approval before proceeding.
  In the event that additional information is required by your Insurance Company, your surgeon can provide this promptly to assist in facilitating your treatment/surgery.
  

• What types of surgery does the Oxford Clinic specialise in?

  We offer a full range of gynaecological and bowel surgical procedures.  We also specialise in minimally invasive (key hole) surgery.  For more detailed information on any of these services please go to the Specialties section.
  

• Do the surgeons only offer surgical treatment?

  Surgery is not always indicated, and therefore each case will be considered carefully by your consultant to determine the best treatment or diagnostic approach.  A treatment plan may also recommend involvement of other health professionals in the clinic such as Dieticians, Physiotherapist, Counsellor and Irritable Bowel Syndrome Nurse.
  

• I am reluctant to consider surgery.  Will I have a chance to go away and think about my options?

  You will always be left to make the decisions in terms of recommended treatment options.  The consultant and practice nurse will be able to give all of the detail necessary for you to make an informed decision.
  

• If I need surgery, where will it be performed?

  Dependent on the surgery required, you will be offered the option of having your surgery at the Oxford Clinic Hospital which is on Level Three of the Oxford Clinic Building.  More extensive surgery will be scheduled at St. George’s or Southern Cross Hospitals. The surgery and hospital requirements will be discussed and booked for you according to the required surgical procedure. Where appropriate, or preferred, a referral from the Oxford Clinic consultants to the public hospital will be arranged for you.
  

• My insurance company wants to know how much the procedure will cost. How do I go about obtaining this information?

  Each insurance company has its own approach to the claim formalities. Estimated surgical costs can be provided at the time of your consultation so you can liaise with your Insurance Company for a prior approval.
  

• Where Oxford Clinic is not listed as a Southern Cross "Affiliated Provider" for a particular specialty, does that mean that my insurance won't cover the procedure?

  No it does not. A Southern Cross “Affiliated Provider” is a surgeon, specialist, and/or facility that have a contract with Southern Cross to provide Southern Cross members with specific health services at agreed prices.
  You may want to call the Southern Cross prior approval line on 0800 800 181 to confirm whether your procedure is eligible for cover and any conditions that may apply. 
  Please contact Oxford Clinic for further information should your procedure not be covered insurance.

• Can I bring a support person with me?

  Yes, many people bring either a partner or friend or relative to their consultations and research has shown that more information can be retained by two people rather than just one.  Also a support person may prompt you to ask a question that you had forgotten to ask. 
  

• Is a chaperone available?

  A chaperone is available upon request either for the period of the consultation or just for the time of an examination if required.

Click here for information on making an appointment